Adorni Steps Down Amid Graft Probe
Manuel Adorni, Argentine President Javier Milei's Cabinet chief and longtime ally, resigned on Saturday following a corruption scandal that has shaken the libertarian government and undermined its anti-corruption pledge. Adorni, who served as Milei's spokesperson before becoming Cabinet chief last year, emerged as the face of the administration's harsh austerity program. His departure removes one of the president's most trusted aides.
Federal prosecutors are investigating Adorni for illicit enrichment, alleging extravagant spending and real estate purchases inconsistent with his modest salary. Adorni has denied wrongdoing. In his resignation letter to Milei, posted on social media, he wrote: "For the first time since December 10, 2023, I am going against your wishes. Thank you for always trusting me and thank you for supporting me through this unjust, painful and exhausting process for me and my family."
Scandal Details and Allegations
Adorni's private life came under scrutiny in March when his wife, who does not work in government, accompanied him on the presidential aircraft for a New York conference. Days later, footage showed him and his family flying on a private jet to Uruguay's Punta del Este beach resort. Local media reported that he purchased two properties after Milei took office: a Buenos Aires apartment and a weekend house outside the city. Images also emerged of luxury vacations, including an all-cash trip to Aruba.
According to his public financial disclosures, Adorni earned a monthly salary of around $2,600 until late last year. Lawmakers and journalists pressed him to explain the inconsistency between his lavish spending and salary. He initially maintained his innocence. However, as pressure mounted earlier this month, he admitted to buying dollars on Argentina's black market and hiding $500,000 in savings from tax authorities. This technically illegal offense is widespread in crisis-prone Argentina but rarely prosecuted. Adorni insisted the money came from legitimate sources, including cryptocurrency investments.
Milei's Defense and Political Fallout
President Milei has defended Adorni amid the scandal. "Manuel is innocent," Milei told local media in Spain during a visit last week. "I stand by my ministers to the bitter end." Milei's spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the resignation letter. However, Milei's sister and top adviser, Karina Milei, thanked Adorni for his "tireless work" and described him as an "upright, valuable and much-loved" member of the libertarian party.
The scandal has damaged the government's public image, constrained Milei's political leverage in negotiations with allies, and undermined his messaging on spending cuts to Argentines struggling with inflation. It remains unclear who will replace Adorni as Cabinet chief.
